Serious personal or family medical emergencies arise for all of us, at some point. Individuals receive an unexpected diagnosis. An elderly parent’s health rapidly declines. A family member faces a terminal illness. And all parents need time off to nurture and bond with their newborn or newly adopted children.The paid family and medical leave bill just passed by the Senate would allow people in these situations to take time to take care of their health or the health of a loved one without fear of losing their job or the risk of financial ruin.The legislation would help our state’s families, businesses, and economy. Businesses would benefit from healthier and more productive employees, while the reduction in worker turnover would generate savings for employers. Paid family and medical leave also keeps more money in the pockets of families, who then spend it in the local economy.Not only did my family bear the extra burden of caring for my maternal grandparents as they battled and lost their lives to cancer, some leaving their jobs to care for them, but I see the incredible benefit it could provide to my parents as small business owners, who would not be able to provide this sort of protection for their employees without this kind of legislation.I applaud the Massachusetts Senate’s passage of paid family medical leave this past weekend. It’s clear that there is an urgent need for paid family and medical leave in Massachusetts. And I look forward to working in the next session to pass the paid family and medical leave bill, when I am your new State Representative. Hardworking people shouldn’t have to choose between working at the job they need and caring for the family they love.Natalie HigginsLeominster ResidentCandidate for State Representative, 4th Worcester District

It was nice to see that you have got the medical leave and it sure would be a great thing to rest all this time. This has been all about the recovery that you are defiantly getting after spending time in care.